Democracy and Participation

The Magna Carta

1215 - Monarch’s powers were restricted , he had to consult before making decisions, no longer an absolute monarchy and established the principle that the King was also subject to law.

Early Parliament Act

1911 - Power of HOL was severely limited by the Liberal Government, allowing the House of Commons to have greater authority in legislation. It established that the House of Lords could not veto money bills and could only delay other legislation for a maximum of two years.

What is the Salisbury convention?

In practice, it means that the Lords does not try to vote down at second or third reading, a Government Bill mentioned in an election manifesto.

Late Parliament Act

1949 - Amended the 1911 Act to further limit the House of Lords' power, allowing the House of Commons to bypass the Lords on certain legislation after one year.

Representation of the People Act

1969 - Votes for 18 year olds

What are the functions of democracy?

Representation, Accountability, Participation, Power dispersal, legitimacy, education

The acronym for functions of democracy?

PARPLE ( People Ask Rosie Please Love Ella )

Function of Democracy : Representation

The Burkean Theory ( 1975 ) - MPs should do what they think is best for their constituents. The MPs should use their own judgement, sometimes called the “ doctors mandate”.

The “ Microcosm theory” - Parliament should look like society eg. 2024 51% of Parliament should be Women, but there are 40%

Function of Democracy: Legitimacy

Legitimacy refers to the general acceptance and recognition of a government's authority by its citizens, ensuring that political power is exercised in a manner that is considered valid and justified.

Function of Democracy: Participation

Voting, Protesting, Join a Pressure group, Join a political party

How can participation create legitimacy?

Political authority is accepted by the population because politicians have been legally elected in elections. For example, Labour won 411 seats in the HOC.

How can a lack of participation create illegitimacy?

There is a potential “ Participation crisis” in which the % of votes is falling, this could be because there is a lack of participation from young voters.

How can participation improve the representation of the people?

Minority groups can get their voices heard by participating in elections or PG. (Eg. Greens - 4 MPS )

There are over 100 political parties so the population can vote for whichever party they prefer to represent their interests. ( Eg. Labour may represent ethnic minorities the best)

The more people that participate , the more demographically “Representative” the HOC is.

Statistics of representation in the HOC

LGBTQ+ (64 MPs, highest in the world) , Women ( 263 MPs, 40%), BAME ( 90 MPs, 14%, up from 65 MPs in 2019)

How does participation ensure more accountability?

The Government is kept accountable to the people because it has to answer to them.( Eg. The lack of economic growth since 2010 + High inflation, made the Conservatives lose the 2024 election)

Examples of how the Government responded to successful PGs campaigns

Stonewall - Cameron legalized gay marriage ( 2013)

XR: Commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050 ( XR wanted 2025!)

Marcus Rashford - Free school meal provision during Covid lockdown

Definition of direct democracy

Where the people make the decisions by participating in referendums

Definitions of representative democracy

Where the public elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Example of how direct democracy/referendums are the purest form of democracy how is this argument weak?

In 2014, 55% of the Scottish population voted against Scotland becoming independent, and 45% wanted independence from the UK. The people’s voices were clearly heard and there was a CLEAR mandate and they are still part of the UK. However, this argument is weak because not only are referendums only advisory, this referendum wasn’t used to enhance democracy as Cameron held the referendum to silence the Eurosceptic conservatives and thought there would be a clear majority, thus improve his reputation instead of having a genuine means to improve scotland’s democratic right. this shows that referendums aren’t pure.

Example of how direct democracy/referendums can avoid delay and deadlock within a political system and how is this argument weak?

The 1975 European Communities membership referendum (EEC) helped the Prime Minister Harold Wilson to resolve a dispute in his divided Labour Government. However, this argument is weaker because referendums, specifically Brexit caused more rifts in Parliament than ever. Although, the referendum took place in 2016, it didn’t get passed until 2020 because of Parliament “blocking” it. In September 2019, there was a 11 hour emergency meeting in the HOC in which Brexit was seen to “break Parliament” as there was heightened frustrations and bitter rows.

Example of how direct democracy/referendums improves participation and why is this weak?

85% turnout in the Scottish Referendum (2014) and 72% for the 2016 EU, most much higher than previous elections. However, this argument is weak as these results are anomalies and if the public are asked to participate in regular referendums, the turnout will decrease, making the voting illegitimate such as Switzerland being a direct democracy and have an average turnout of 41%

How can direct democracy/referendums cause a “tyranny of majority”, whereby the winning side simply ignores the interest of the losers

The 2016 referendum was quite close , 48% to 52% in England but, in Scotland it 62% voted to remain. This led to the UK leaving the Eu, which completely overrided the views of the Scottish people, causing them to feel undermined by the system, causing the relationship between Scotland and England to become tainted. Scotland loses £3 billion in public revenues due to Brexit per year. Despite this, Boris Johnson imposed a “hard Brexit” which included a sharp break in relations between the UK and the Eu, which impacted the economic relationship. This shows how referendums cause further divisions within society.

How can direct democracy/ referendums show that some issues are far too complex for the public to understand

The AV referendum in 2011. Proposed that voters rank candidates in order of preference. Anyone getting a majority is elected, if not, the lowest is eliminated and the people vote until there is a candidate with a clear majority. As this was such a complex issue, there was only a 42% turnout. These referendums that won’t effect the country significantly should be left to the Parliament to make decisions. A yes or no answer does not fit most political questions, so this can lead to oversimplification, such as the AV referendum 2011, and some relying on charismatic individuals eg. Nigel Farage and Bojo. Also, in the brexit referendum, figures were created such as leaving brexit would allow £350 million a week to go towards the NHS spending, this appealed to those who found the issues and impacts of leaving the EU too complex, they thought they would “take back control”. General turnouts are low

How much money did the Brexit peeps say would go towards the NHS every week?

£350 million

How does direct democracy/ referendums undermine elected representatives

The UK system is based on Parliamentary sovereignty not popular sovereignty. A key feature of the system is representation, highlighted in the Burkean theory. Getting unqualified individuals that might just vote for the status quo can tarnish Parliamentary decisions. Due to the chaos of Brexit, in which the government weren’t expecting the result, the conservative party was completely destabilised, leading to 8 PMs in 4 years. In 2024, the conservatives lost 251 seats since the last general election in 2019.

% of votes for the Belfast agreement (1998)

YES: 71% NO:29% TURNOUT: 81%

% votes for 2014 Scottish independence referendum

YES: 45% NO: 55 % TURNOUT:84.6%

% votes for England EU referendum (2016)

LEAVE: 51.9% REMAIN: 47.1% TURNOUT: 72

% votes for Scotland EU referendum ( 2016)

LEAVE: 38% REMAIN: 62%

% votes of extension of devolution to Wales referendum ( 2011)

YES: 63.5% NO:36.5% TURNOUT: 35.6%

% votes of AV referendum ( 2011)

YES: 32.1% NO: 67.9% TURNOUT: 42%

What is the microcosm theory?

Parliament should be representative of the populations demographics, eg. 40% of MPS are women

3 types of representation

Accountability, Microcosm theory, Representing the national interest, Constituency representation, Party, PG, Casual

How many constituencies are there in the UK?

650

What is the Doctors mandate?

Once the government is elected, unexpected events will arise. AS long as the Government is legitimately elected, one can argue that they have the authority to take necessary action.

What is the principle of the doctrine?

Each party produces a manifesto

What is the statement of policy intentions?

If the party wins, the party is said to have a mandate to carry out all the policies included in the manifesto. They have a democratic authority to do so.

Strengths of the Governments mandate to carry out their manifesto?

There is a clear authority, which strengthens legitimacy as they were elected for these decisions. People can easily judge the performance of the Government, seeing how well they fulfilled their promises and if they overstepped their elective authority.

Weaknesses of the Governments mandate to carry out their manifesto?

Government is always elected with less than 50% of the vote, so it might not be in the interests of the majority of the population to carry out their promises. Those who voted for the Government don’t always support their manifesto and it is not clear if the Government has a mandate to carry out policies not contained in their last election manifesto.

What are the 6 types of participation?

Standing for public office, Active party membership, Active pressure group membership, Passive party or group membership, Digital activists, voting

Amount of Labour party members HOWEVER…

450,000. However, many left wing socialists loved Jeremy Corbyn and joined the Labour party.

Amount of conservative party members

124,000

Why were the turnouts in the 2024,2019 and 2001 elections lower than other elections?

It was a “foregone conclusion”. This was not a long term issue.

Example of a country having too many referendums

Switzerland only has a 45.1% turnout

Example of a country that has compulsory voting and what do they do?

Australia (91.89%) . Everyone must have their name crossed off the list for attending the election station and mark the ballot paper. If not, results in a $20 fine

Example of a successful E - petition

In 2007, 1.8 million people demanded that the Government drops the idea of introducing charges for using roads. The Government dropped it.

2 Examples of unsuccessful E-petitions

In 2016, there was an E- petition asking for a second EU referendum , this was signed by 3.5 million people. Also, in 2019, 6.1 million signatures to revoke Article 50 (Brexit). These E-Petitions were discussed in Parliament, but weren’t listened to.

Why don’t E- Petitions work most of the time?

They are non binding.

% of party membership in 1980s compared to now

In the 1980s, 4% of the population were members of a political party. In 2024, it is less than 1%

definition of democratic deficit

The state in which democratic systems and processes are not ran efficiently

When was the Elections Act?

2022

What was the Elections Act ( 2022)?

Voters had to bring their ID as verification. However, some 18-24 year olds don’t have ID and neither do immigrants or migrants. Over 60s, could use their bus passes.

Why did the Elections Act (2022) cause conflict?

Made the public believe that the conservatives were deliberately doing this to aid the older demographic who were their most dependent voters.

How many members are in the RSPB? What is the problem with them?

1 million, they are passive

What is the turnout of over 75s compared to 18-24 year olds in general elections?

Over 75s: 90% whereas it is only 50% for 18-24 year olds.

What and when was the Police, crime and orders act?

In 2022, the act expands police powers allowing officers widespread access to private education and health care records, and suspicionless stop and search.

When and what is the Public Order Act?

2023, the regulations restricted the right to protest, it can either be deemed as “too loud” or “too disruptive”

Examples to use for rights and liberties not being protected in the UK

Police, Crime and courts Act (2022) and the Public order Act (2023)

Example of a recall election?

Fiona Onasanya, MP for Peterborough in 2019. She was speeding, but blamed it on her brother, claiming that he was driving the car. This was lying in court, she went to jail, and was recalled

What are recall elections?

Recalling MPs from Westminster who have been found guilty of wrong - doing by the standards committee. A petition is then signed by ATLEAST 10% of constituents. However, most of the time, the threat of a recall means that they resign anyway

Problems with recall elections

Not as democratic, as they have to be found guilty by MPs, and then the constituents decide, not the people first.

When and What was the Scottish elections Act?

In 2016, 16 year olds were allowed the vote in Scotland. However, they can’t vote in UK elections

What parties are in favour of changing the voting age to 16?

Labour, Lib dems, Plaid Cymru, SNP and the Greens

Arguments for and against 16 and 17 year olds having the vote

Conclusion on 16 year old voters

They shouldn’t be allowed the vote as they are too young. They aren’t educated enough in schools, and their family members and social media can easily sway them. Adults are paying tax, so they experience life at “first hand”

Why should there be compulsory voting?

• There is a higher turnout rate in elections: eg. Australia ( 96%)

• Civic duty

• Legitimacy - hearing from all demographics

• Would encourage further participation

• Give under - represented groups like the poor a greater say in how they are governed

• Could use funds elsewhere

Why shouldn’t there be compulsory voting?

• It is a citizens right to refuse to take part

• People who don’t know or care would still have to vote

• The media might have more influence

• Citizens who don’t support the system should have the right to oppose the system

What was the 2015 change in registration rule? What were the problems with it?

Each individual was responsible for registering themselves at whatever address. However, there were a few problems as 1 million voters lost the right to vote as their household registration was not transferred to individual registration. Most “missing voters” were students

How much of the Conservatives money comes from registered donations compared to Labour?

The Conservatives have £19.4m from company and individual donations. Whereas, Labour only has £5.4m, and most of it comes from Trade Unions

Problems with party funding?

Two main parties get a disproportional share of the money, meaning that small parties struggle. Most of the money comes from rich individuals and corporations, which undermines the democratic nature of the system

How can the HOL being replaced with an elected chamber be good for representative democracy

It would remove an unelected, unaccountable body from the UK, such as hereditary peers.

How can the HOL being replaced with an elected chamber be bad

The HOL will mirror the HOC too much which will create greater rivalry which would lead to a gridlock in the political system. Also, the expertise in the Lords could be replaced by career politicians

How can replacing the FPTP be a good thing for representative democracy?

It would remove the negative features of FPTP, such as Labour only getting 34% of the vote, however, gaining 64% of MPs. This will lead to more representation, if the HOC mirrors the exact views of the country.

How can replacing the FPTP be a bad thing for representative democracy?

If we were to vote by proportional representation, it would allow more extremist parties to gain seats, such as reform which will jeopardise the democracy in this country. It also makes coalitions more likely and harder to hold account

The amount of votes and seats reform got in the 2024 election

received 14.3% of the vote and got 5 seats

How is codifying the constitution a good thing?

Would clarify our rights and the UK political system would become more clear. Would prevent extremist parties easily changing the constitution.

How can introducing full state party funding a good thing?

It would remove a economic hierarchy within political parties and remove the need to acquire money from powerful groups and vested interests that donate for their own ends, not the national interest

How can introducing full state party funding be a bad thing?

Major questions would be raised about whether taxpayer money should be given to parties that the taxpayer may not supoport.

Definition of a liberal democracy?

A tension between winning the majority and protection of rights of individuals

When was the gender recognition act?

2004

What was the 2004 Gender recognition act?

Allowed people to change their legal sex.

Example of the HRA protecting rights: 2011

A law saying that local councils could force vulnerable adults to live in a care home was ruled “incompatible” as it violated their “right to family life”

Belmarsh case (2004)

Judges declared that the 2001 Anti - terrorism Act was ruled incompatible with the ECHR and that 9 foregin national terrorist suspects detained without trial, should be released. However, the gov simply re arrested the men and put them under house arrest. When this was successfully challenged, the Home Office introduced a “softer” version of house arrest

HIRST vs UK

An Axe murderer killed his land lady. A blanket ban on prisoners’ right to vote violated their rights but the UK gov have refused to do any of this

Strengths of how judges are better able to protect rights

Judges exercise the rule of law and can use the HRA and their power of the judicial review to ensure rights in the UK are fully respected. The judicary is independent of the other two branches of the political system, and can defend rights based upon the law, without political pressure